Key points about temperatures and thermometers
- body temperature by itself does not tell you how sick your child is
- regardless of whether your child has a fever or not, if you think they are unwell and you are worried, see your doctor
- in pēpi (babies), an unstable body temperature is very worrying - see your doctor if your baby has either a high or low temperature
Why take my child's temperature?
You might want to measure your child's body temperature if they feel hot. If they do not seem unwell, you do not need to take their temperature.
The most common reason for a child to have a raised temperature is because they are fighting off an infection.
If your child is very young (under 3 months old) and they have a fever, see your doctor.
Taking A Temperature: What Am I Measuring?
Thermometers - How To Use Them
Learn more about fever (high temperature) in children and how to know if your child's sick.
